SMFM's Podcast Series

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Heidi Leftwich welcomes Dr. Neil Silverman, a recipient of SMFM's 2026 Maternal Immunization Champion Award, to discuss his work advancing vaccination during pregnancy. Dr. Silverman reviews maternal immunization recommendations and shares practical strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy, building patient trust, and improving vaccine access. The conversation also explores the importance of offering vaccines during prenatal visits, navigating billing and reimbursement challenges, and ensuring consistent messaging across the care team to support maternal and infant health.

The full transcript can be found here. 

Resources:

Respiratory Disease Season...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our Diabetes Technology Series with a discussion of insulin formulations and practical considerations for insulin therapy in pregnancy. Dr. Rachel Harrison joins Drs. Linda Barbour and Celeste Durnwald to explore basal, rapid-acting, and concentrated insulins, including how to individualize treatment based on glucose patterns, changing insulin requirements, medication access, and patients' daily routines. The discussion also highlights multidisciplinary care, shared decision-making, and strategies for adjusting insulin therapy and minimizing hypoglycemia during the postpartum period and breastfeeding.

Additional Resources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38870526/ 

Fu...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our Diabetes Technology Series with a practical discussion on remote glucose monitoring in pregnancy. Dr. Heidi Leftwich is joined by Dr. Karin Fox and Dr. Amy Valent to explore how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and other remote monitoring tools are changing diabetes management in maternal-fetal medicine.

The conversation covers how clinicians can use glucose trends to guide treatment decisions, identify patients who may benefit from closer remote follow-up, and use CGM data to support patient engagement and timely medication adjustments. The speakers also discuss strategies for managing large...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we kick off our Diabetes Technology Series with a practical discussion on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in pregnancy. Dr. Irina Cassimatis is joined by Dr. Camille Powe and Dr. Ashley Battarbee to explore how CGM data can inform diabetes management across different patient populations, including those with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Through case-based scenarios, the conversation covers key CGM metrics and pregnancy-specific targets, interpreting glucose patterns, addressing discrepancies between CGM and finger-stick readings, and using CGM data to guide insulin adjustments. The speakers also s...

In this SMFM Podcast episode, Dr. Kecia Gaither and Dr. Ahize Eke discuss SMFM's updated statement on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. They examine concerns about possible associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, review the limitations of the available evidence, and explain why acetaminophen remains a first-line treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. The episode also offers practical guidance for counseling patients who may be concerned about acetaminophen use based on recent headlines or information online. 

Resource: 

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Statement: Acetaminophen use during pregnancy - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison is joined by Dr. Minhazur Sarker to discuss one of the most common challenges in academic medicine: turning research into a completed manuscript. Despite the time and effort invested in research, a significant portion of work presented at conferences never reaches publication, limiting its impact on clinical care and future studies.

Dr. Sarker shares an innovative, practical approach to overcoming this barrier through the "gamification" of manuscript writing. By breaking the writing process into smaller, trackable steps, this method helps reduce overwhelm, improve accountability, and support...

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce notable changes in protein recommendations, dietary patterns, and overall messaging, but how do these updates translate to pregnancy care?

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Cara Dolin and registered dietitian Hillary Hart to explore what these new guidelines mean for obstetric clinicians. Together, they break down key updates, highlight areas of alignment (and misalignment) with current pregnancy nutrition evidence, and offer practical strategies for counseling patients in real-world clinical settings.

This discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized care, critical evaluation of...

In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units.

 After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to:

Description: 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy.

Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin. The conversation reviews key updates to the USPSTF recommendations, how the checklist supports systematic identification of eligible patients, and practical strategies for implementation in diverse practice settings.

The episode also explores the companion process-based q...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discussion focuses on how a standardized postpartum checklist can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality by ensuring consistent patient education, supporting home blood pressure monitoring, promoting timely follow-up, and improving transitions to ongoing care.

The episode...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of the SMFM Cardiovascular Symptom Checklist, to discuss a concise, one-page tool designed to guide systematic triage of cardiovascular symptoms in pregnant and postpartum patients. The conversation highlights how structured symptom assessment can help distinguish...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current vaccine guidance, disparities in vaccine uptake, strategies for effective patient counseling, and best practices for clinic preparedness, including staff education, vaccine stocking, and infection control policies. They also highlight trusted resources for providers and patients to support safe and effective vaccination during pregnancy.

For...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Amy Valent to discuss folic acid and its critical role in pregnancy. They review dietary and supplemental sources, the distinctions between folate, folic acid, and methylfolate, and evidence-based recommendations for dosing before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and support fetal development. Dr. Valent also addresses considerations for populations of higher-risk patients, limitations of supplement regulation, and the lack of evidence for routine MTHFR testing, providing practical guidance for clinicians counseling patients on folic acid intake.

Click here for the full...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Bart Staat welcomes Dr. Britton Rink to discuss the updated SMFM Consult #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated Guidelines. They explore key changes from previous guidance, including recommendations for sex chromosome aneuploidy, microdeletions, twin pregnancies, and managing non-reportable results—offering practical tips to help clinicians apply the latest evidence in practice. 

Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes Dr. Teresa Sparks and Dr. Mary Norton, authors of the upcoming SMFM Consult on the evaluation and management of non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis. Together, they explore updated recommendations on nonimmune hydrops (primarily in singleton gestation) and discuss how MFMs can navigate these challenging cases, support maternal health, and help guide families through difficult decisions.

Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Kay Daniels and Dr. Carey Eppes for an important conversation on emergency preparedness in the setting of obstetric (OB) care. Together, they break down the four key principles of emergency preparedness—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—and explore how these apply to both OB clinicians and their patients. 

Using real-world examples like wildfires, poor air quality, tropical storms, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, and mass casualty events, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of what OB clinicians need to know in the face of natural disasters. Drs...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Moustafa welcomes Dr. Irene Stafford to discuss the current measles outbreak in the US. Together, they review treatment and management options for measles, and strategies for how to rebuild patient confidence in the MMR vaccine amid rising vaccine hesitancy. Finally, they emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent measles infection and its serious health risks.

Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.

Additional Resources:

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rachel Harrison welcomes Dr. Christina Megli to discuss vector-borne illnesses like Lyme, malaria, and dengue—highlighting symptoms, current trends, and diagnostic approaches. Together, they review treatment and management strategies, and offer practical tips to help patients make informed decisions about travel, vaccines, insect repellents, and prevention, and share trusted clinical resources for healthcare providers.

Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

Additional Resources:

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Laura Riley, Chair of OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine who was also the first OB-GYN to serve on the advisory committee for immunization practice at the CDC. Together, they discuss recent threats to vaccine access, the impact of reduced vaccine uptake, cuts in research, and the resurgence of diseases like measles. Clinicians are encouraged to stay informed about local policies, recommend vaccines, and work with community resources to improve vaccine access and combat misinformation, ensuring stronger public health protection. 

Click here for the full episode t...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Adam Crosland is joined by Dr. Sarah Horvath. Together, they discuss updates made to the CDC MEC and best practices for patient counseling.

Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Drs. Clarissa Bonanno and Elyce Cardonick, two of the authors of the SMFM Consult Series on Cancer and Pregnancy. Together, they discuss the complex and evolving landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Topics include treatment options that align with standard care, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, long-term outcomes for children exposed to chemotherapy in utero, counseling strategies, and the importance of individualized care. They also share helpful resources for both clinicians and patients navigating this rare but challenging situation.

Additional resources<...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shad Deering welcomes Dr. Sindhu Srinivas, the newly appointed President of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Srinivas shares her journey to becoming an MFM, reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, and discusses her early involvement in advocacy and organized medicine. She also offers insight into her leadership vision for SMFM, including expanding member engagement, strengthening advocacy efforts, and advancing educational initiatives like the newly launched Pregnancy Journal. Whether you're a fellow, early-career MFM, or a long-time member, this episode highlights the many ways to get involved and stay...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes back Dr. Ebony Carter, Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, for a deeper discussion on community engagement in MFM practice. Building on the insights from Community Engagement 101, Dr. Carter shares her experiences in developing meaningful community partnerships that improve patient care.

From navigating the complexities of building trust to ensuring patient voices shape interventions, Dr. Carter provides practical advice on engaging with communities in a way that is collaborative, sustainable, and impactful. She reflects on lessons learned in St. Louis, the challenges of...

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to be negative. In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison sits down with Dr. Ngina Connors, OB/GYN Chair at Atrium Health and Vice Chair of SMFM's Practice Management Committee, to explore strategies for effective conflict resolution.

They discuss the different types of conflict that arise in maternal-fetal medicine, from interpersonal disagreements to team dynamics on labor and delivery. Dr. Connors shares insights on fostering open dialogue, managing workplace conflicts, and approaching difficult conversations with patients and colleagues. They also provides practical...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rupesh Patel speaks with Dr. Ashley Battarbee and Dr. Judette Louis about the CDC's Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package (HPCP)—a comprehensive resource designed to improve the identification, management, and prevention of complications related to hypertension in pregnancy.

Dr. Battarbee and Dr. Louis discuss the collaborative effort behind developing the HPCP, its key components, and how it can be implemented in outpatient settings to enhance patient care. They highlight practical strategies for clinicians, address common challenges, and explore the role of the change package in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Ad...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Jason Vaught, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and surgical critical care physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to discuss SMFM Consult: Diagnosis and Management of Right and Left Ventricular Heart Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Dr. Vaught shares insights on the frequency of cardiomyopathy as an underlying cause of maternal mortality, the importance of screening and early detection, and key considerations for managing heart failure in pregnant patients. The discussion covers counseling strategies, self-monitoring techniques, delivery planning, postpartum care, and addressing healthcare disparities in...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Jamie Lo is joined by Dr. Rolanda Lister, Officer of Health Equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Ann Borders, Executive Director of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, to explore the essentials of community engagement in maternal-fetal medicine.

Learn how partnering with community stakeholders, engaging patient voices, and addressing social drivers of health can improve birth outcomes. The discussion highlights practical strategies, real-world examples, and emerging data supporting the transformative impact of community engagement on clinical care, quality improvement, and research.

Stay tuned for insights...

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son is joined by Dr. Marvin Williams and Dr. Amber Samuel to explore the highlights of the postgraduate courses and scientific forums at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From CME-accredited courses on evidence-based labor management and fetal interventions to member-driven forums tackling topics like cardio-obstetrics and health equity, this year's program offers something for everyone in maternal-fetal medicine.

Learn about the collaborative process behind the selection of courses and forums, how these opportunities foster research and innovation, and why the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting is a can't-miss event. Plus, get...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Bill Grobman, Editor-in-Chief of SMFM's first official journal, Pregnancy. Together, they explore the vision behind this new Open Access journal, its mission to increase accessibility and transparency of original research in obstetrics, and the global and diverse representation it aims to achieve. Dr. Grobman shares his passion for advancing research on pregnancy in its broadest context, touching on topics such as equitable outcomes, the life-course impact of pregnancy, and socio-political dimensions.

Listeners will learn about the journal's format, submission guidelines, and opportunities for involvement, including...

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son welcomes Dr. Allison 
Bryant to discuss everything you need to know about posters and abstracts at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From the equity-focused review process to the impressive lineup of over 1,100 poster 
presentations and groundbreaking oral sessions, this year's meeting promises to showcase the 
best in maternal-fetal medicine research.

Discover how sustainability initiatives are shaping the format of the meeting, what's new for poster presenters, and why this year's program is a must-attend event for anyone in the field. Plus, get key tips to...

In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lo welcomes Dr. Sarah Osmundson to discuss SMFM Consult #71, focusing on the management of previable and periviable preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Together, they delve into key considerations for patient counseling, the challenges of defining viability across different institutions and regions, and the maternal and neonatal outcomes linked to various management strategies.

Dr. Osmundson highlights the critical role of informed consent, the need to align care with patient values, and opportunities to address gaps in research through collaborative efforts. This episode unpacks the complexities of managing PPROM and provides valuable insights...

Show notes

In this week's episode of the SMFM podcast, Dr. Kecia Gaither and Dr. Neil Silverman discuss maternal RSV vaccination and the Pfizer Abrysvo vaccine. Learn about the latest updates for the 2024-2025 respiratory season, how to counsel patients effectively, and strategies to ensure vaccine access.

The conversation also covers addressing vaccine hesitancy, navigating barriers like cost and availability, and comparing maternal vaccination with neonatal immunization options to protect infants from severe RSV infections

Resources

SMFM Podcast: Maternal RSV Vaccination 101

smfm.org/RSV

Full transcript can...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son, MFM from the University of Colorado and Local Arrangements Chair for the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting, sits down with Program Chair Dr. Blair Wylie to discuss what's in store for this year's Pregnancy Meeting in Denver Colorado. They cover everything from exciting new features and inclusivity initiatives to the rigorous abstract review process and sustainability efforts. Tune in to hear about standout sessions like the President's Workshop on preterm birth, new high school and medical student engagement programs, and some unique networking opportunities, including the return of the Puppy Lounge! Don't...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Marwan Ma'ayeh discusses maternal RSV vaccination with Dr. Sarah Boudova, an expert in infectious diseases and a third-year maternal-fetal medicine fellow. They dive into the Abrysvo vaccine and explain its importance for protecting newborns from RSV-related respiratory illnesses. Dr. Boudova provides essential insights into the vaccine's components, its unique role during pregnancy, timing considerations, and co-administration with other vaccines. They also touch on current recommendations from leading health organizations and outline practical advice for healthcare providers on storing and administering the vaccine. Listen to learn how maternal RSV vaccination can safeguard...

Show Notes: 

In this episode of the SMFM podcast, Dr. Marwan Maayeh is joined by Dr. Sura Alwan, an expert in teratology and birth defects epidemiology. Together, they explore the role of teratogens—agents that can cause birth abnormalities when exposed to the developing fetus. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges MFM specialists face when counseling patients on medication use during pregnancy and the resources available for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Dr. Alwan highlights the work of OTIS (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) and TERIS (Teratogen Information System) in providing evidence-based gui...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz hosts a discussion with Dr. Sarah Obican about SMFM Consult Series #72, focusing on the management of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) in monochorionic twins.

Dr. Obican shares insights into the latest evidence and practice guidelines for TTTS and TAPS, discussing the importance of early sonographic determination, recommendations for TTTS screening, and the complexities of managing TAPS. The conversation also covers fetal therapy options, doppler use, and the challenges of staging TTTS. Tune in to hear how these evolving guidelines impact clinical practice...

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Catherine Albright interviews Dr. Jecca Steinberg on racial reporting and representation in OB/Gyn Clinical Trials.

Additional Resources: 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Ashley Battarbee, a member of the SMFM Publications committee, speaks with past committee chair Dr. Jeffrey Kuller and current committee chair Dr. Judette Louis about the consult development process. In their conversation they cover how a consult goes from brainstorm to publication and who is involved along the way. Listen to learn about how to get involved with SMFM Publications.

To access the full transcript, click here. 

Additional Resources:

·         Publications landing page

·         Overview of the SMFM guideline development process

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Heidi Leftwich speaks with Dr. Priyanka Gaur and Dr. Maria Phillis about SMFM's new Get Out the Vote initiative. They delve into the critical role that voting plays as a social determinant of health and its far-reaching impact on reproductive healthcare. The discussion covers the intersection of civic engagement and patient care, offering insights on how MFM specialists can advocate for their patients by encouraging voter participation. Dr. Gaur and Dr. Phillis share their personal experiences with civic engagement, the challenges and opportunities in the current political climate, and practical...

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Akila Subramaniam welcomes Dr. Alan Tita, a renowned MFM researcher and Senior Associate Dean for Global and Women's Health at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Dr. Tita shares his inspiring journey to becoming a leading figure in maternal health research, discussing his motivations, global experiences, and influential mentors. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring researchers. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with wisdom and practical insights. 

Subscribe now and visit education.smfm.org for more educational resources. 

 A full transcript to this episode can be found he